GB Auto’s fleet of beaut electric utes

VASA member GB Auto has switched 20 vehicles to electric F-150 Lightnings, the first major deployment of locally converted electric utes in Australia.

The fully electric utility vehicles have been remanufactured to right-hand drive by Advanced Manufacturing Queensland (AMQ), part of the Australian-owned Bosscap Group, at its 8000-square-metre facility in Brendale, north of Brisbane.

Bosscap has invested more than $5 million into design, tooling and compliance through its EV-focused subsidiaries AUSEV (Australian Sustainable Electric Vehicles) and AMQ, creating what is calls Australia’s first fully electric 4×4 ute.

“This milestone reflects the future of Australian transport – locally made, zero-emission, and ready for tough conditions,” said Bosscap Group chief executive Edward Kocwa.

“GB Auto’s investment in the F-150 Lightning is not only a vote of confidence in AUSEV’s advanced manufacturing capability, but also a demonstration of real-world commercial value in transitioning to electric fleets.”

GB Auto, a long-standing player in the mining, construction, transport and agricultural sectors, operates across remote and regional areas in New South Wales.

The company chose to electrify part of its fleet based on the F-150 Lightning’s ability to meet operational demands including 4500kg towing capacity, on-site power export of up to 9.6kW and advanced safety features including a 360-degree camera system and autonomous emergency braking.

GB Auto Managing director Bill Dunlop said the transition had resulted in significant operating cost reductions from fuel savings to minimal maintenance overheads.

“These vehicles have exceeded expectations in capability, and our team in the field have embraced the technology, comfort, space and performance they offer,” he said.

“What makes it even more rewarding is that we’re supporting Australian manufacturing and innovation through AUSEV and Bosscap, while also reducing our environmental impact by charging largely through solar power.

“Plus, our employees have the flexibility to charge at home. It’s a win for business, for our people, and for the planet.”

Regular SightGlass readers will know that this is not GB Auto’s first foray into EVs. The company has previously been linked to early-stage electric conversions of popular models like the Toyota HiLux and LandCruiser, particularly for the mining sector, though those programs never reached commercial scale.

By integrating the purpose-built F-150 Lightning, GB Auto is taking a more scalable approach to electrification. The fleet was remanufactured in Queensland by AMQ, which has retooled its operations with lean manufacturing principles and OEM-level quality control.

The process includes full right-hand drive conversion and Australian compliance updates, including modifications to the instrument panel, steering, braking and charging systems. Bosscap Group says the operation supports more than 100 local manufacturing jobs and enhances Australia’s sovereign capability in the EV sector.

“We’ve heavily invested in EV and pivoted our entire operation to supply right-hand drive EV utes to the market with a focus on fleet and commercial customers,” said Bosscap chief strategy officer Brendan Kenny.

“It’s a known product and it’s America’s best-selling pick-up truck, and this is not an EV conversion – this vehicle was originally designed to be an EV.”

The F-150 Lightning comes with 98kWh standard or 131kWh extended-range batteries, offering up to 515km range on a full charge, with charging from 15 per cent to 80 per cent in 38 minutes using a 150kW DC fast charger.

GB Auto validated the vehicles through durability tests at Victoria’s Lang Lang proving ground and off-road trials including beach driving and heavy-duty field work.

Its dual-motor e-axle produces 433kW and 1050Nm torque, accelerating the nearly three-tonne ute to 100km/h in just more than four seconds.

Off-road, independent suspension, coil springs and locking rear differential enhance capability, though its weight limits performance in very soft terrain.

Its payload capacity of 885kg and ground clearance of 213mm further boost field utility.

Though the F-150 Lightning carries a premium, starting from $169,900 plus on-road costs, Bosscap and GB Auto argue that lower running costs, better performance and environmental benefits more than justify the investment.

Solar charging and reduced maintenance compared with diesel equivalents help the business case, while a five-year unlimited-kilometre warranty with complimentary servicing and nationwide support via the Mycar chain provides added confidence.

Demand for the right-hand drive electric F-150 Lightning is rising both in Australia and internationally. To keep pace, Bosscap is increasing production, with GB Auto’s rollout serving as a real-world example of how electric work vehicles can excel beyond the city limits.